Boundary Road Brewery ‘Chosen 1’ Golden Lager

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Boundary Road Brewery ‘Chosen 1’ Golden Lager 330ml ($14x6pk) A crisp, lipsmacking 5%abv  lager with lifted green hoppy notes, hints of oatmeal on the palate and a gentle tang on the finish.  A touch of bitterness cleans it up nicely.  Available at supermarkets nationwide.

Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Matua ‘Single Vineyard’ Matheson Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2009 $69  Ruby-hued and exhibiting saucy aromas of plum compote and chocolate while in the mouth it has succulent cherry, blackberry and enticing spices.  The oak is beautifully integrated, the acidity is elegant, the alcohol is warming and the finish is solid and muscular.  Definitely a wine for … Read More

3 October 2011 Nelson First Fifteen

14 November 2011By Yvonne

“Oh cool – what are you killing Dad?” my nine year old son craned his neck to see my husband drowning a white tail spider in a flood of Black Flag.  “It was a big bugger son” said my husband as he flicked it out the window, “it almost crawled into your shoe”.  “Should have … Read More

Yellow Tail Moscato NV

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Yellow Tail Moscato NV $11  A burst of white-flesh nectarine, yellow plum and spritzy, tangy tropical tastiness is what you’ll get in each glass.  Sure it’s sweet, but it’s also very clean and crisp and at a rather bashful 7.5% alcohol it’ll also help you keep your keel even during those long, summer lunches.  Widely … Read More

Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Heron’s Flight Matakana Dolcetto Unplugged 2011 $25  If you’re after an ultra-smooth, ripe and ready red then this will definitely spin your wheels. Soft plummy aromas with hints of cocoa and dried herbs, there’s a splash of blackberry and a warming, beefy finish.   www.heronsflight.co.nz  

Ti Point Matriarch Matakana Syrah 2010

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Ti Point ‘Matriarch’ Matakana Syrah 2010 $45  Perfumed and peppery, this wine is both muscular and meat yet feminine and frisky and just like the woman it’s named after I’ll bet it’ll become more beautiful with age.  Different layers of flavour unfurl with every minute it’s in the glass – so take your time to … Read More

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle Rosé NV

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Quartz Reef Central Otago Methode Traditionnelle Rosé NV $35  Gorgeous trout-pink colour with vibrant cherry blossom, strawberry shortcake and toasted bagel aromas.  Clean and elegant, it boasts seductive spritz, textural complexity and impressively rich length of flavour.  Made from 100% Bendigo pinot noir, this is a sensational example.  More please! Available from fine wine stores or … Read More

Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Jacob’s Creek St. Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $50  This wine is glossy with incredibly dense colour and gorgeous aromas of mint, violet, hints of leather and black fruit.  In the mouth it is warming, plush, gamey and elegantly structured.  The tannins have a gentle yet solid grip and add a lovely textural layer to … Read More

3 November 2011 Either Hugo or I go…

14 November 2011By Yvonne

Either Hugo or I go… One of Australia’s most famous brands has had a major makeover.  Not only has it given its label a bit of nip-and-tuck and indulged in an expensive set of extensions; it’s also visited the local council chambers, filled out the forms and instigated a name change.  First launched in 1980 … Read More

Olssen’s Vineyard Sold – announcement just in

13 October 2011By Yvonne

Hello Yvonne It is with mixed feelings that after 22 years in the business John and I have found a great set of future custodians for the special vineyard that is Olssens.  By planting on the now famous Felton Road we became wine making pioneers of the Bannockburn region and the Cromwell basin. We had a vision of creating … Read More